Kent State has announced that their starting center for the football team Jason Bitsko died overnight in his sleep.
According to a release by the school, Bitsko was found in his off-campus apartment around 9 a.m. this morning.
Teammates called Bitsko’s roommate after he did not report to practice earlier in the morning. The roommate found Bitsko and called the police, according to Cleveland.com.
Kent State director of athletics Joel Neilsen said that the entire Kent State community is mourning the loss of Bitsko.
“We are heartbroken by the news of Jason’s death. Our thoughts and prayer’s go out to his family, friends, teammates and everyone whose lives he touched.”
Last season Bitsko started all 12 games of the season and he was selected to the Phil Steele Preseason All-Mac Third Team.
Following Kent State’s spring game Bitsko won the Gerald and Victoria Read Award, given to the player that exemplifies hard work and dedication beyond the call of duty.
Kent State’s first game is on Aug. 30 against Ohio University.